In 2021, we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Laguna de Santa Rosa as a Wetland of International Importance. 

The Laguna de Santa Rosa (or Laguna) is the second largest freshwater marsh in Northern California. It is called the "river that flows both ways." During heavy rains, the Laguna flows south carrying floodwaters away from the Russian River, reducing its flood levels. After rains subside and the tides fall, the Laguna reverses its flow, returning the floodwater north, back into the Russian River and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. More water enters the Laguna from a collection of creeks, tributaries, springs, seeps and sub-surface flows. Because of this diverse water supply, the Laguna, though primarily a marsh, has characteristics of a stream, creek, seasonal wetland, open water, and other aquatic habitats in various locations.
 

Anne Morkill, Executive Director of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation writes, "Today, natural wetlands are threatened ecological communities. Worldwide, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forested areas. To save the most valuable and vulnerable, an intergovernmental treaty known as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was created in 1971. This is the only global treaty to focus on a single ecosystem. The Laguna and Great Sundurbans are just two examples of the more than 2,300 sites across 170 countries recognized by the treaty as Wetlands of International Importance for their many and varied ecological benefits. Thanks to you, we’re celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Laguna de Santa Rosa as one of these remarkable Wetlands of International Importance. This delicate and globally significant ecosystem is also home to the majority of Sonoma County’s human population, which relies upon the Laguna for water quality, flood control, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and recreation. We have a moral imperative to properly steward this vitally important wetland complex for the benefit of all."

Read the full article in the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation newsletter "Meanderings" here.